The football star has neatly carved a new career for himself - that of brand ambassador. With contracts with Adidas, Breitling, H&M, Coty and Sainsbury under his hat, David Beckham, who started his career with Man U, pulled in $44.1 million from endorsements. After his current stint with Paris Saint-Germain (he's donating that salary), he will become an ambassador for the Chinese Super League.

Earnings: $50.6 million

At No 2 is Real Madrid player Christiano Ronaldo. With sponsorship deals from brands like Nike and Castrol, which totaled $21.6 million, as well as a large share of his image rights mean he has done well for himself in the last year.

Earnings: $43.5 million

Argentine Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the star player out there right now. He's won FIFA's Player of the Year award four times in a row and has been signed by his team Barcelona for $20.2 million a year till 2018. He's already the highest earner on the pitch, and with contracts with Adidas, Pepsi, EA Sports and Dolce & Gabana under his belt, the 25-year-old is doing well for himself.

Earnings: $40.3 million

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City's 24-year-old striker was voted player of the year by fans, and has reportedly locked up a second contract with the club. He has endorsement deals with Puma and Pepsi which help put him in the No 4 spot.

Earnings: $20.8 million

In the No 5 spot is Wayne Rooney. Another player going through a rough patch career-wise (rumour has it he's had a falling out with bosses at Manchester United), Rooney also lost a contract with video game developer EA Sports.

Earnings: $20.3 million

Ivory Coast-born Yaya Toure comes in at No 6. The 29-year-old has just renewed his contract with Manchester City which entitles him to a $20 million salary a year. He also has a contract with sports brand Puma.

Earnings: $20.2 million

At No 7 is Fernando Torres. The Chelsea player has had a patchy run since he was traded from Liverpool for $80 million in 2011. Yet, this has not affected Torres's earnings. The 29-year-old Spaniard has deals with Nike and Pepsi.

Earnings: $20.2 million

Brazilian striker Neymar is already making waves in the football world at 21. His strike record, along with his flamboyant style, has netted Neymar deals with Nike, Panasonic, Red Bull and Volkswagon among others.

Earnings: $19.5 million

No 9 on the list is Brazil's Ricardo Kaka. Currently with Real Madrid, Kaka's once meteoric career has been plagued by injuries. The 30-year-old has sponsorship deals with Adidas and Pepsi.

Earnings: $19.3 million

At No 10 on the list is Didier Drogba. The 31-year-old native of the Ivory Coast started his career at Chelsea before moving to Chinese Super League Club Shanghai Shenhua for a brief and controversial stint. He is now with Galatasaray and has sponsorship deals with Nike and Pepsi.

At No 2 is Real Madrid player Christiano Ronaldo. With sponsorship deals from brands like Nike and Castrol, which totaled $21.6 million, as well as a large share of his image rights mean he has done well for himself in the last year.